Plenty to do during the winter vacation in South Tyrol

Icing sugar landscapes. Village roofs under a magic winter blanket. Views of sparkling white mountains. In winter the Hotel Mesnerwirt and the surrounding village of Hafling are covered under a soft layer of snow, as the sunny plateau of the Tschögglberg, 1,300 metres above sea level, will definitely lie above the snow line.

Everything appears peaceful in Hafling, the houses seem to float on snowy clouds, the trees wear smart white bonnets. All is quiet here. But around the corner an Eldorado for winter sports enthusiasts, where landscapes call out to be discovered, can be found! Whether on skis, snowboards, snowshoes or sledges– the gentle Tschögglberg and the Meran 2000 ski area offer either gentle winter experiences or a full programme of action: skiing, tobogganing, snowshoe excursions or ski tours. Or just making “snow angels”.

A ski resort offering 40 kilometres of sun and snow, plenty of variety and snow adventures for top skiers and adrenaline junkies alike. The Meran 2000 ski area is above all popular with families and beginners: just a few minutes from the Hotel Mesnerwirt, the cable car whisks passengers up to the summit. All those wishing to climb under their own steam can turn it into the goal of a skiing or snowshoe tour. Once up there, the only way is down, whether racing on skis or trudging through the snow. Meran 2000 is without a doubt one of the highlights of Meran and its environs in winter. Nor should a culinary expedition to one of the many mountain huts be left off the programme!

Those wanting to experience South Tyrol at its most typical should stop by one of the many dairy huts in and around Meran, for instance the “Waidmannalm”, with its good food, good wine and natural winter world. Enjoy the mountain panorama from the sunny terrace: the Dolomites, the Brenta group, the Ötztal Alps and even Lake Kaltern can all be seen. The “Leadner-Alm” is also a must while on holiday on the plateau above Meran: it is especially charming in the white winter months and, at an altitude of 1530 metres, the ideal location for film or photos. It can be reached on snow shoes, in hiking boots or simply by car.

A special highlight: the aromatic Christmas market of the spa town. Winter magic hangs in the air as you stroll along the paving stones of the Passer promenade and take in the wooden stands with their souvenirs and delicacies on show, from fruit skewers with a thick coating of chocolate, to hot pretzels, funnel cake or the fantastic, sugary mandorlata. There are bear hats with ears for those who love Christmas, and of course spicy mulled wine. The Meran Christmas market is an excellent tip, as it is the probably South Tyrol’s most picturesque Christmas market, combining Italian Natale with German Weihnacht – wonderful Italian kitsch with Tyrolean earthiness. Frohe Weihnacht, Auguri – Merry Christmas!